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16 injured when Pittsburgh porch roof collapses during St. Patrick’s Day celebration

Video shows several people on and underneath the porch roof before the collapse

PITTSBURGH — A porch roof collapse in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood injured 16 people on March 14, as hundreds gathered for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Video footage captured the moment the roof gave way, with partygoers both on top of and underneath it. Witnesses estimate 30 people had climbed onto the back roof before it collapsed onto the porch below, sending debris crashing down on those beneath, WTAE reported.

“There were a number of young adults who were on top of the roof of the porch, as well as other young adults who were on the porch itself when this porch collapsed from the weight of all of these individuals,” Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety PIO Emily Bourne said.

Emergency responders transported 16 people to local hospitals, with three in serious but stable condition. Injuries included concussions and leg and arm fractures.

Officials described the incident as a near-tragedy, emphasizing that, given the size of the gathering, it was fortunate no fatalities occurred.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.